Didjits
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Mattoon, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, EPs, singles |
Didjits is a punk rock group originating from Mattoon, Illinois in 1981, composed of Rick Sims (guitar and vocals), Doug Evans (bass), and Rick’s brother Brad Sims (drums). The band gained recognition for Rick Sims' intense guitar techniques and dynamic stage performances, often incorporating dramatic theatricality during live concerts, particularly in Chicago and Champaign.
Their initial release came in 1986 via Bam Bam Records, and the band remained active until their split in 1994, with a short-lived reunion occurring in 2006. Brad Sims exited the group in 1992; subsequently, former Scratch Acid drummer Rey Washam played on the Little Miss Carriage EP before Todd Cole took over drumming duties. One of their songs, "Killboy Powerhead," was famously covered by The Offspring on the 1994 album Smash.
Early years
The band was first established under the name UXB in 1981, featuring Rick Sims handling drums, vocals, and guitar, Doug Evans on guitar, and Mike Rankin providing vocals and bass. No recordings from this period were released until 2024. By 1983, the lineup evolved into Didjits with Rick Sims on guitar and vocals, Brad Sims behind the drums, and Doug Evans playing bass. Early iterations also included Rankin and Bob Williams on bass before settling into the core trio. Between 1985 and 1986, they produced three demo tapes—Durga! Durga! Durga!, Whoop My Head, and Signifies My Go-T!—which preceded their first official album.
Recording history
Their debut album, Fizzjob, was produced by Iain Burgess, known for his work with Naked Raygun and Mega City Four. It featured tracks previously released on self-produced cassettes such as Whoop My Head and Signifies My Go-T. This record showcased Rick Sims' developing songwriting skills alongside rapid guitar solos, combining energetic rock with influences drawn from Jerry Lee Lewis, Ramones, and AC/DC. Notable songs include "Fix Some Food Bitch", "California Surf Queen", "Mexican Death Horse", and "Beast Le Brutale".
The subsequent album Hey Judester, also produced by Burgess, demonstrated considerable growth with more polished performances and enhanced production quality. The Rick Didjit character was fully embodied through biting lyrics centered on themes of rebellion. Frequently cited as the band’s finest release, it begins with the powerful "Max Wedge" and features prominent tracks like "Skull Baby", "Plate in My Head", and the live favorite "Under the Christmas Fish". The second side includes songs such as "Axhandle", "Joliet", "King Carp", and the moderate-tempo "Dad". This album marked their debut on Touch & Go Records and was later reissued alongside Fizzjob as a combined CD.
Building on their success, Hornet Pinata delivered a collection filled with catchy riffs and vigorous rhythms. Its opening track "Killboy Powerhead" gained further recognition through The Offspring’s cover on their breakthrough album Smash. The record also contains renditions of The MC5’s "Call Me Animal" and Jimi Hendrix’s "Foxy Lady", with bassist Doug Evans taking lead vocals on these covers. Despite MTV rejecting the video for "Captain Ahab" due to its drug-related content, it was aired briefly on MTV's 120 Minutes. Meanwhile, the video for "Judge Hot Fudge" was featured on Beavis and Butt-head, though it elicited a rather indifferent response.
Reunions
The original lineup of the band came together once again for the 25th anniversary celebration of Touch and Go Records held in Chicago, Illinois, on September 9, 2006. Following this event, they also played a reunion concert in Champaign the next weekend.
A planned reunion for 2017 was ultimately called off due to Evans' passing in late 2016.
In 2025, The Didjits were confirmed as part of the Riot Fest roster in Chicago.
Post-Didjits projects
After the band's activities, Sims shifted his focus toward composing and sound design. He collaborated with Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company and took charge of sound design within the theatre department at Niles West High School.
Evans resided in Austin, Texas, where he performed with his band Blöwer (which has since disbanded), engaged in building nitro dragsters, and raised his children, Lola and Dodge Evans. He passed away on December 28, 2016.
Demo tapes
- Durga! Durga! Durga! (1985)
- Whoop My Head (1985)
- Signifies My GO-T! (1986)
Studio albums
- 1986 Fizzjob (originally released by Bam Bam Records; reissued by Touch & Go in 1989)
- 1988 Hey Judester (Touch and Go Records; CD version included Fizzjob)
- 1990 Hornet Piñata (Touch & Go)
- 1991 Full Nelson Reilly (Touch & Go)
- 1993 Que Sirhan Sirhan (Touch & Go)
Live album
- Backstage Passout (1991)
Compilation album
- Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits (2024)
Singles and EPs
- 1989 "Lovesicle" 7" (Touch & Go)
- 1991 "Fuck the Pigs" 7" (Touch & Go)
- 1992 "Little Miss Carriage!" EP (Touch & Go)
- 1993 "Dear Junkie" / "Skull Baby" (Sub Pop Records Single of the Month Club)
- 1995 "Pigs!" Fear (Fear and Loathing)
Other appearances
- 1991 Virus 100 (Alternative Tentacles)
- 1992 "Something's Gone Wrong Again" (C/Z Records)
- 1994 "Live At Emo's" (Rise Records)
Video album
| Year | Video album details |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Knocked Up
|
Music videos
| Title | Year | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|
| "Melvin Takes a Dive" | 1985 | David Landis |
| "Loan Me a Buck" | ||
| "Beast Le Brutale" | 1986 | |
| "Max Wedge" | 1988 | Phil Harder |
| "Captain Ahab" | 1990 | Paul Andresen |
| "Sweet Sweet Satan" | Paul Andresen, Jay Bellissimo, David Landis, Rick Sims | |
| "Top Fuel" | 1991 | Paul Andresen |
| "Judge Hot Fudge" | 1993 | Paul Andresen, David Landis |